Ukraine bans popular Russian social media platforms

Not happy with Russia’s support to a three-year war in the separatist east, Ukraine today blocked some of the most popular Russian social networks. The ban was put in place through a decree signed by Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko. One of the social media networks to be banned is the VK, which is commonly referred to as Russia’s Facebook. The other platforms banned include Mail.ru email provider and the Odnoklassniki (Classmates) social network. Ukraine has also banned Moscow-based Kaspersky Lab cyber security and anti-virus provider. The ban on these platforms and businesses will be applicable for a period of three years.

Among the main things that have angered Ukraine include Russia’s annexation of Crimea in March 2014 and the self-proclaimed independence of Ukraine’s east. Ukraine has been constantly banning Russian products and even Russian people from entering the country. Russian movies, television series, and even books are part of the banned list created by Ukraine. Ukraine’s stand on the issues is supported by Western countries, especially the allegations that Russia had both planned and supported the insurgency in the eastern industrial regions of Lugansk and Donetsk. Reports indicate that the insurgency has resulted in the deaths of more than 10,000 people till now.